Projector having a dynamically positioned shutter

ABSTRACT

A projector includes: a projection optical device; an exterior housing; a shutter; and a support member, the shutter and support member are provided with an engagement structure including an engagement protrusion which being provided on either one of them, protrudes along a vertical axis, and an engagement groove which being provided on the other, and extending in a direction in which the shutter moves, guides a movement of the engagement protrusion by the engagement protrusion being inserted therein, and the engagement groove is provided in such a way that a start end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the closed position is positioned to the projection optical device projection side of a finish end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the open position.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a projector.

2. Related Art

Heretofore, a projector has been known on which a shutter is mounted insuch a way as to close an image opening section (a luminous flux passageopening section) formed in an exterior housing for the purpose ofprotecting a projection optical device (a projection lens) (refer to,for example, JP-A-2008-216757).

With a projector described in JP-A-2008-216757, a shutter, beingconfigured so as to be movable linearly along the rear surface of afront section of an exterior housing in which an image opening sectionis formed, opens and closes the image opening section by moving.

However, with the projector described in JP-A-2008-216757, as theshutter moves linearly along the rear surface of the front section, inthe event that a member is disposed on the rear surface of the frontsection, the shutter is likely to interfere mechanically with the memberwhen it moves. Because of this, there is a problem in that it isdifficult to dispose a member, such as, for example, a remote controllight receiving section for receiving a light signal emitted from aremote controller, on the rear surface of the front section.

That is, as a disposition position of a member such as the remotecontrol light receiving section is limited, a degree of freedom indesigning the projector decreases.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a projectorwhich can protect a projection optical device without a degree of designfreedom decreasing.

A projector of one aspect of the invention is directed to a projectorincluding a projection optical device configured to project an image; anexterior housing include an image opening section for allowing the imageprojected from the projection optical device to pass through; a shutterwhich being disposed inside the exterior housing, closes the imageopening section; and a support member configured to support the shutterin a closed position in which the image opening section is closed, or inan open position in which the image opening section is opened, causingthe projection optical device to be exposed through the image openingsection, in such a way that the shutter is movable. The shutter andsupport member are provided with an engagement structure including anengagement protrusion which being provided on either one of them,protrudes along a vertical axis, and an engagement groove which beingprovided on the other, and extending in a direction in which the shuttermoves, guides a movement of the engagement protrusion by the engagementprotrusion being inserted therein. The engagement groove is provided insuch a way that a start end at which the engagement protrusion ispositioned in the closed position is positioned to the projectionoptical device projection side of a finish end at which the engagementprotrusion is positioned in the open position.

With the aspect of the invention, by means of the engagement structureprovided on the shutter and support member, the shutter, while theengagement protrusion is being guided by the engagement groove, that is,by moving along the engagement groove, opens and closes the imageopening section. Herein, the engagement groove is provided in such a waythat the start end is positioned to a projection side (the side of asidewall (hereafter described as a front section) of the exteriorhousing in which the image opening section is formed) of the finish end.

By this means, the shutter, when it is positioned in the open position,is positioned farther to a side opposite to the projection direction,that is, on a side farther away from the front section, than in acondition in which the shutter is positioned in the closed position.That is, as the shutter, when it moves from the closed position to theopen position, moves in such a way as to go away from the front section,even in the event that a member such as a remote control light receivingsection is disposed on the rear surface of the front section, it ispossible to realize a configuration such that the shutter does notinterfere mechanically with the member when the shutter moves.

Consequently, it not happening that a disposition position of a membersuch as the remote control light receiving section is limited, it doesnot happen that a degree of freedom in designing the projectordecreases.

Also, by configuring in the way heretofore described, it also beingpossible to form an area of the front section in which the image openingsection is formed into a shape bulging more in the projection directionthan the other area, it is also possible to increase a degree of freedomin designing the exterior housing.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe engagement groove is configured of a first groove section and secondgroove section configured to communicate with each other, and that thesecond groove section is formed in such a way as to extend from thefinish end so as to be approximately perpendicular to a projectiondirection of the projection optical device, the first groove section isformed in such a way as to form an obtuse angle with respect to thesecond groove section, and extend to the finish end.

With the aspect of the invention, the engagement groove is configured ofthe first groove section and second groove section configured to form anobtuse angle and communicate with each other. By this means, as theengagement protrusion moves smoothly along the engagement groove (firstgroove section and second groove section), a user can move the shuttersmoothly. Because of this, it is possible to enhance an operability ofthe shutter.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe engagement groove is formed in such a way that the length of thefirst groove section is shorter than that of the second groove section.

With the aspect of the invention, as the first groove section is formedin such a way as to be shorter than the second groove section, theshutter moves from the closed position to the side away from the frontsection at an early stage, then moves approximately parallel to thefront section, and is positioned in the open position. By this means,even in the event that, on the rear surface of the front section, amember such as the remote control light receiving section is disposedclose to the image opening section, it does not happen that the shutterinterferes mechanically with the member when the shutter moves.Consequently, it is possible to more preferably achieve the heretoforedescribed advantage that the degree of freedom in designing theprojector does not decrease.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe shutter includes a bulging section which, bulging in the projectiondirection of the projection optical device, is loosely fitted into theimage opening section when the shutter is positioned in the closedposition.

In this respect, with the existing configuration, as the shutter movesalong the rear surface of the front section, the shutter, when it ispositioned in the closed position, is disposed in a position receding byan amount equal to the width of the front section inward from the outersurface of the front section across the image opening section. This kindof configuration is not preferable in appearance as the edge portion ofthe image opening section becomes visible even in the event that theimage opening section is closed by the shutter.

With the aspect of the invention, as the shutter includes the bulgingsection, in the condition in which the image opening section is closedby the shutter, condition is attained in which the bulging section isloosely fitted in the image opening section. By this means, the edgeportion of the image opening section becoming difficult to be noticeddue to the bulging section, it is possible to provide a configurationpreferable in appearance.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe leading end portion of the bulging section is configured of asurface which, when the bulging section is loosely fitted into the imageopening section, follows the outer surface of a sidewall of the exteriorhousing in which the image opening section is formed.

With the aspect of the invention, the leading end portion of the bulgingsection is configured of the heretofore described kind of surface. Bythis means, in the condition in which the image opening section isclosed by the shutter, the surface of the leading end portion of thebulging section loosely fitted in the image opening section, and theouter surface of the front section, are positioned approximately flushwith each other. Because of this, it is possible to provide aconfiguration more preferable in appearance.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe image opening section is formed in such a way that the opening areaincreases toward the inside of the exterior housing.

With the aspect of the invention, as the image opening section is formedin the way heretofore described, even in the event that the bulgingsection is formed on the shutter, it does not happen that the bulgingsection interferes mechanically with the edge portion of the imageopening section when the shutter moves. Because of this, the user canmove the shutter smoothly.

With the projector of the aspect of the invention, it is preferable thatthe exterior housing which being formed therein an operation openingsection for moving the shutter, includes an operating member which beingconfigured so as to be movable, as well as being exposed to the outsidethrough the operation opening section, moves the shutter by beingoperated from outside, and that the shutter and operating member areprovided with a second engagement protrusion provided on either one ofthem which protrudes in the projection direction of the projectionoptical device, and a second engagement structure include a through holeprovided in the other which being inserted the second engagementprotrusions

With the aspect of the invention, by means of the second engagementstructure provided in the shutter and operating member, the shutterinterlocks with movement of the operating member. Herein, the secondengagement structure includes the second engagement protrusion whichprotrudes in the projection direction, and the through hole throughwhich the second engagement protrusion is inserted.

By this means, for example, in the event that the through hole isprovided in the operating member, and that the second engagementprotrusion is provided on the shutter, when the shutter moves close toor away from the front section along with the movement to the closedposition or open position, the second engagement protrusion withdraws inthe condition in which it is inserted through the through hole.

Consequently, by employing the second engagement structure, there is noneed to employ a structure in which the operating member moves inaccordance with the movement of the shutter (the movement close to oraway from the front section along with the movement to the closedposition or open position). That is, with respect to the operatingmember, it being sufficient to form a structure causing it to movelinearly, it is possible to achieve a structural simplification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exterior of a projector of anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration ofthe projector of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a lens protection device of theembodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the lens protection device of theembodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a configuration of a shutter of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view showing a configuration of a lower sidesupport member of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view showing a configuration of an upper sidesupport member of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of an operating member of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an operation of theshutter of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, a description will be given, based on the drawings, of anembodiment of the invention,

Configuration of Projector

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exterior of a projector 1 of theembodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the projector1, as seen from the upper front side.

“Up”, “down”, “left”, and “right”, used hereafter, correspond to up,down, left, and right when viewed in FIG. 1. Also, with regard to“front” and “back”, to be described hereafter, a projection side (a sideon which a projection lens 36 is disposed) is taken to be the front, andthe opposite side is taken to be the back, in the projector 1.

The projector 1 forms an image according to image information, andprojects it onto a screen (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the projector1 is roughly configured of an exterior housing 2 configuring anexterior, an optical unit 3 (refer to FIG. 2) housed inside the exteriorhousing 2, a remote control light receiving section 4 (refer to FIG. 2),and a lens protection device 5.

Configuration of Exterior Housing

The exterior housing 2, including a top section 21 and bottom section22, and a front section 23, back section 24, right side section 25, andleft side section 26 which intersect therewith in a vertical direction,has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown in FIG.1.

In the exterior housing 2, as shown in FIG. 1, an image opening section231 for allowing the image projected from the projection lens 36, to bedescribed hereafter, of the optical unit 3 to pass through is formed onthe right side of the front section 23.

The front section 23 has a convex curve shape, a central portion in aleft-right direction of which bulges slightly toward the front side, asshown in FIG. 1. Because of this, the opening face of the image openingsection 231 is tilted in such a way as to go toward the back side fromthe left to the right.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a light receiving window 232 for allowing alight signal emitted from an external remote controller (not shown) topass through is formed to the left side of the image opening section231.

Furthermore, in the exterior housing 2, as shown in FIG. 1, an operationopening section 211 for causing an operating member 8, to be describedhereafter, of the lens protection device 5 to be exposed to the outsideis formed on the front right side of the top section 21.

The operation opening section 211 is configured of a slit extending inthe left-right direction.

Configuration of Optical Unit

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration ofthe projector 1.

The optical unit 3 forms and projects the image in accordance with theimage information (an image signal) under a control by a control device(not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical unit 3 includes a light source device31, which has a light source lamp 311 and a reflector 312, anillumination optical device 32, which has lens arrays 321 and 322, apolarization conversion element 323, and a superimposing lens 324, acolor separation optical device 33, which has dichroic mirrors 331 and332, and a reflecting mirror 333, a relay optical device 34, which hasan incidence side lens 341, a relay lens 343, and reflecting mirrors 342and 344, an optical device 35, which has three liquid crystal panels 351as optical modulation devices, three incidence side polarizing plates352, three exit side polarizing plates 353, and a dichroic prism 354 asa color synthesis optical device, and a projection lens 36 as aprojection optical device which projects an image formed by the opticaldevice 35.

Then, with the optical unit 3, by means of the heretofore describedconfiguration, a luminous flux emitted from the light source device 31and going through the illumination optical device 32 is separated intothree color lights of R, B, and G by the color separation optical device33. Also, the individual separated color lights are modulated inaccordance with the image information, by the respective liquid crystalpanels 351. The individual modulated color lights are synthesized intoan image by the prism 354, and the image is projected onto the screen bythe projection lens 36.

As the heretofore described individual members 31 to 36 are utilized asoptical systems of each kind of general projector, a specificdescription will be omitted,

Configuration of Remote Control Light Receiving Section

The remote control light receiving section 4, being disposed on the rearside of the front section 23, as shown in FIG. 2, receives the lightsignal emitted from the remote controller and passing through the lightreceiving window 232 (FIG. 1), and transmits a signal corresponding tothe received light signal to the control device.

Then, the control device controls operations of internal componentmembers in response to the received signal.

Configuration of Lens Protection Device

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a configuration of the lens protection device 5.Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a condition in which ashutter 6 is positioned in a closed position, as seen from the upperfront side, while FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a condition in whichthe shutter 6 is positioned in an open position, as seen from the upperfront side.

The lens protection device 5, being disposed between the projection lens36 and the front section 23 of the exterior housing 2, as shown in FIG.2, is a device which opens and closes the image opening section 231 inresponse to an operation by a user.

Then, the lens protection device 5, by closing the image opening section231, protects the projection lens 36 disposed inside the exteriorhousing 2. Also, the lens protection device 5, by opening the imageopening section 231, causes the projection lens 36 to be exposed throughthe image opening section 231, and the projector 1 is set in a usablecondition.

The lens protection device 5 includes the shutter 6, a support member 7,the operating member 8, and a position detection member 9, as shown inFIG. 3 or 4.

Configuration of Shutter

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a configuration of the shutter 6. Specifically,FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the shutter 6, as seen from the frontside, while FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the shutter 6, as seen fromthe back side (rear side).

The shutter 6 is a member configured to close the image opening section231. The shutter 6 includes a shutter main body 61, first engagementprotrusions 62, a second engagement protrusion 63, guide rails 64, and adetection protrusion 65, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The shutter main body 61, being configured in such a way that thecentral portion of a rectangular plate body 611, which is larger thanthe outer shape of the image opening section 231, bulges in a hollowedshape toward the front side, has a bulging section 612 on the front sideend face of the plate body 611.

A leading end portion 612A of the bulging section 612, having arectangular shape in a plan view, is formed in an approximately flatform. Also, the leading end portion 612A is formed in such a way as tohave approximately the same shape as the image opening section 231.

That is, the leading end portion 612 is tilted in such a way as to gotoward the back side from the left to the right, in the same way as theimage opening section 231.

Also, a left side sidewall 612B of the leading end portion 612A of thebulging section 612 is tilted in such a way that a position ofconnection with the plate body 611 is shifted to the left side of aposition of connection with the leading end portion 612A.

A right side sidewall 612C, contrary to the left side sidewall 612B, istilted in such a way that a position of connection with the plate body611 is shifted to the right side of a position of connection with theleading end portion 612A.

The first engagement protrusions 62, being portions which makeengagement with the support member 7, protrude along a vertical axisfrom the outer edge of the plate body 611.

In the embodiment, three first engagement protrusions 62 are provided:two upper side engagement protrusions 62A (FIGS. 5A and 5B), whichprotrude upward from left and right sides of the upper end edge of theplate body 611, respectively, and a lower side engagement protrusion 62B(FIG. 5A), which protrudes downward from an approximately centralportion in the left-right direction of the lower end edge of the platebody 611.

The first engagement protrusions 62 having the same shape, the leadingend portions of which are formed in a hemispheric shape.

The second engagement protrusion 63, being a portion configured to makeengagement with the operating member 8, protrudes to the back side,approximately parallel to a horizontal plane, from the upper right sideof the back side end face of the plate body 611.

The guide rails 64, being portions which make engagement with thesupport member 7, are formed in a plate-like shape which, protrudingfrom the back surface of the shutter main body 61, extends in theleft-right direction parallel to the horizontal plane.

In the embodiment, two guide rails 64 are provided at the back of theshutter main body 61: an upper side rail 64A positioned on the upperside, and a lower side rail 64B positioned on the lower side.

The upper side rail 64A is formed below the second engagement protrusion63.

In the back side end edge of the upper side rail 64A, as shown in FIG.5B, notches 641 cut out into a semicircular shape are formed on each ofleft and right sides.

Hereafter, of the two notches 641, the left side notch 641 will bedescribed as a closed position notch 641A, and the right side notch 641will be described as an open position notch 641B.

The detection protrusion 65, being a portion used when detecting aposition of the shutter 6, protrudes to the left side from the lowerside of the left side edge of the plate body 611.

Configuration of Support Member

The support member 7 supports the shutter 6 in such a way that theshutter 6 can move to the closed position (FIG. 3) in which it closesthe image opening section 231, and to the open position (FIG. 4) inwhich it opens the image opening section 231, causing the projectionlens 36 to be exposed through the image opening section 231. The supportmember 7 includes a lower side support member 71 and an upper sidesupport member 72, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the lower sidesupport member 71. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of thelower side support member 71, as seen from the upper front side.

The lower side support member 71 is a member which, being fixed to theexterior housing 2, supports the whole of the lens projection device 5.The lower side support member 71 includes a substrate 711, a mountingsection 712, and a lower side horizontal section 713, as shown in FIG.6.

The substrate 711 is configured of a plate body of a rectangular shapein a plan view, the plate surface of which is perpendicular to thedirection of projection from the projection lens 36.

A second image opening section 711A having approximately the sameopening area as the image opening section 231 is formed in a position ofthe substrate 711 opposed to the image opening section 231, as shown inFIG. 4 or 6.

That is, the second image opening section 711A is an opening whichallows a light source projected from the projection lens 36 to passthrough in the same way as the image opening section 231.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, an upper side guide slit 711B and lower sideguide slit 711C extending in the left-right direction are formed on bothupper and lower sides of the substrate 711 respectively.

The pair of guide slits 711B and 711C are portions through which each ofthe pair of guide rails 64 of the shutter 6 is inserted, as shown inFIG. 3, and which guide a movement of the shutter 6.

Furthermore, a click mechanism housing section 711D, the inside of whichcommunicates with the upper side guide slit 711B, and which bulges in ahollowed shape toward the back side, is provided in an approximatelycentral portion in the left-right direction on the upper side of thesubstrate 711.

The click mechanism housing section 711D is a portion which houses aclick mechanism 10, as shown in FIG. 6.

Herein, the click mechanism 10 is a mechanism configured to apply avibration to the shutter 6 when the shutter 6 is positioned in theclosed position (FIG. 3) or open position (FIG. 4), allowing the userwho has operated the shutter 6 (operating member 8) to recognize thatthe shutter 6 has been positioned in the closed position or openposition.

The click mechanism 10 includes a coil spring 11 and a sphericalabutment member 12, as shown in FIG. 6.

An operation of the click mechanism 10 will be described hereafter.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, 4, or 6, a detection member installationsection 711E for installing the position detection member 9 is providedon the upper left side of the front side end face of the substrate 711.

The mounting section 712, being provided at the upper end edge of thesubstrate 711, is a portion on which, as well as the operating member 8being mounted, the operating member 8 slides (refer to FIG. 8). Then,the mounting section 712 is formed in a rectangular plate-like shapewhich, as well as protruding to the back side, parallel to thehorizontal plane, from the upper end edge of the substrate 711, extendsin the left-right direction along the upper end edge of the substrate711.

As shown in FIG. 6, an open position limit section 712A and closedposition limit section 712B are erected on both left and right sides ofthe upper surface of the mounting section 712 respectively.

The limit sections 712A and 712B, being formed in a plate-like shapeextending in a front-back direction, are portions which limit a movementof the operating member 8.

The lower side horizontal section 713, being provided at the lower endedge of the substrate 711, as shown in FIG. 6, is a portion configuredto guide a movement of the shutter 6. Then, the lower side horizontalsection 713 is formed in a rectangular plate-like shape which, as wellas protruding to the front side, parallel to the horizontal plane, fromthe lower end edge of the substrate 711, extends in the left-rightdirection along the lower end edge of the substrate 711.

As shown in FIG. 6, a lower side engagement groove 713A is formed on theupper surface of the lower side horizontal section 713.

The lower side engagement groove 713A is portion into which the lowerside engagement protrusion 62B of the shutter 6 is inserted, and whichmakes engagement with the shutter 6.

The lower side engagement groove 713A is provided in such a way that astart end PS at which the lower side engagement protrusion 62B ispositioned in the closed position is positioned to the front side of afinish end PE at which the lower side engagement protrusion 62B ispositioned in the open position.

Specifically, the lower side engagement groove 713A is configured of afirst groove section 713B extending to the back left side from the startend PS, and a second groove section 713C communicating with the firstgroove section 713B and extending in a horizontal direction to thefinish end PE. Herein, the first groove section 713B and second groovesection 713C communicate with each other in such a way as to form anobtuse angle with each other. Also, they are formed in such a way thatthe length of the first groove section 713B is smaller in dimension thanthe length of the second groove section 713C.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the upper sidesupport member 72. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of theupper side support member 72, as seen from the lower front side.

The upper side support member 72, being fixed to the lower side supportmember 71, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4, is a portion which, as well asclamping the operating member 8 with the lower side support member 71(mounting section 712) in such a way that the operating member 8 ismovable, makes engagement with the shutter 6, and guides a movement ofthe shutter 6.

The upper side support member 72 includes a base section 721 and anupper side horizontal section 722, as shown in FIG. 7.

The base section 721, being configured of a plate body having the samerectangular shape as the mounting section 712, is disposed in such a wayas to face the mounting section 712, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4. Then, thebase section 721 clamps the operating member 8 with the mounting section712 in such a way that the operating member 8 is movable.

As shown in FIG. 7, a slit 721A extending in the left-right direction isformed in the base section 721. Then, the base section 721, in acondition in which it clamps the operating member 8 with the mountingsection 712 in such a way that the operating member 8 is movable, causesone portion of the operating member 8 to be exposed through the slit721A.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7, fixing sections 721B, suspended downward, forfixing the upper side support member 72 to the lower side support member71 are formed on left and right sides of the base section 721. Then, theupper side support member 72 is fixed to the lower side support member71 by inserting fixing screws Sc (FIGS. 3 and 4) through each fixingsection 721B, and screwing the fixing screws Sc into each screw hole711F (FIG. 6) formed in the upper end edge of the substrate 711.

The upper side horizontal section 722 is formed in a rectangularplate-like shape which, as well as protruding to the front side,parallel to the horizontal plane, from the front side end edge of thebase section 721, extends in the left-right direction along the frontside end edge of the base section 721, as shown in FIG. 7. Then, theupper side horizontal section 722 is opposed to the lower sidehorizontal section 713 in the condition in which the upper side supportmember 72 is fixed to the lower side support member 71, as shown in FIG.3 or 4.

As shown in FIG. 7, two upper side engagement grooves 722A are formed onthe lower surface of the upper side horizontal section 722 in such a waythat they are disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

The two upper side engagement grooves 722A, having the same shape, areportions into which each of the two upper side engagement protrusions62A of the shutter 6 is inserted, and which make engagement with theshutter 6.

Each upper side engagement groove 722A, being provided in such a waythat a start end PS at which the upper side engagement protrusion 62A ispositioned in the closed position is positioned to the front side of afinish end PE at which the upper side engagement protrusion 62A ispositioned in the open position, in the same way as the lower sideengagement groove 713A, is configured of a first groove section 722B andsecond groove section 722C.

The heretofore described first engagement protrusions 62 and engagementgrooves 722A and 713A correspond to an engagement structure according tosome aspects of the invention.

Hereafter, for convenience of description, the engagement structureconfigured of the first engagement protrusions 62 and each engagementgroove 722A and 713A will be described as a first engagement structure.

Configuration of Operating Member

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the operating member 8. Specifically,FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a condition in which the upper sidesupport member 72 is removed from the condition of FIG. 3.

The operating member 8, one portion of which is exposed through theoperation opening section 211 of the exterior housing 2, as shown inFIG. 1, is a portion which is operated by the user.

The operating member 8 includes a horizontal substrate 81, a slider 82,a ledge 83, and a knob 84, as shown in FIG. 8.

The horizontal substrate 81, being parallel to the horizontal plane, isconfigured of a rectangular plate body extending in the left-rightdirection.

As shown in FIG. 3 or 4, the horizontal substrate 81, as well as beingformed so that the front-back direction width is approximately the sameas the front-back direction width of the slit 721A of the upper sidesupport member 72, is formed in such a way that the left-right directionlength is smaller than the left-right direction length of the slit 721A.

The slider 82 is configured of a rectangular plate body which,protruding downward, perpendicular to the projection direction of theprojection lens 36, from the lower surface of the horizontal substrate81, extends in the left-right direction.

The leading end portion of the slider 82 is formed in a flat shapeparallel to the horizontal plane. Then, the leading end portion of theslider 82 makes abutment with the upper surface of the mounting section712 of the lower side support member 71, as shown in FIG. 8.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, a through hole 821 through which the secondengagement protrusion 63 of the shutter 6 is inserted is formed on theright side of the slider 82.

The through hole 821 is formed so that the left-right direction width isapproximately the same as the left-right direction width of the secondengagement protrusion 63.

The heretofore described second engagement protrusion 63 and throughhole 821 correspond to a second engagement structure according to someaspects of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ledge 83 is formed in a plate-like shape whichprotruding to the front side, parallel to the horizontal plane, from thefront side end edge of the horizontal substrate 81, extends in theleft-right direction along the front side end edge of the horizontalsubstrate 81.

In FIG. 8, the back side end edge of the horizontal substrate 81, as itis in a hidden position, is not shown, but another ledge 83 is alsoprovided at the back side end edge of the horizontal substrate 81.

The pair of ledges 83 are formed stepped downward from the upper surfaceof the horizontal substrate 81.

That is, when the upper side support member 72 is fixed to the lowerside support member 71, as well as the horizontal substrate 81 beingloosely fitted into the slit 721A, the pair of ledges 83 makes abutmentwith the periphery of the slit 721A, and the operating member 8 isclamped between the support members 71 and 72.

The knob 84, being erected on the right side of the upper surface of thehorizontal substrate 81, as shown in FIG. 1 or 8, is a portion which isgripped by the user when the operating member 8 is operated via theoperation opening section 211.

Configuration of Position Detection Member

The position detection member 9 detects a position of the shutter 6, andoutputs a signal to the previously described control device.

In the embodiment, the position detection member 9, being configured ofa normally closed type leaf switch, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4, constantlyoutputs the signal to the control device in a normal condition (thecondition of FIG. 3).

Then, the position detection member 9, on the shutter 6 being positionedin the open position, is pressed by the detection protrusion 65 of theshutter 6 into an open condition, and stops outputting the signal to thecontrol device as shown in FIG. 4.

That is, the control device, when the signal is not output from theposition detection member 9, recognizes that the shutter 6 is positionedin the open position. Also, the control device, when the signal isoutput from the position detection member 9, recognizes that the shutter6 is positioned in a position (for example, the closed position) otherthan the open position. Then, in this case, the control deviceimplements a control of reducing a light intensity, such as by turningoff the light source device 31.

Operation of Lens Protection Device

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the heretoforedescribed lens protection device 5 (shutter 6).

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of theshutter 6.

In FIG. 9, with regard to the shutter 6, the condition of FIG. 3 (thecondition in which it is positioned in the closed position) is indicatedby the solid line, the condition of FIG. 4 (the condition in which it ispositioned in the open position) is indicated by the dashed line, andthe condition in which it is positioned between the closed position andthe open position is indicated by the two-dot chain line.

Also, in FIG. 9, of the upper side engagement grooves 722A and lowerside engagement groove 713B, only the upper side engagement grooves 722Aare shown. Then, hereafter, for convenience of description, adescription will be given, based on the upper side engagement grooves722A, of a movement of the shutter 6 (first engagement protrusions 62).

Firstly, in the condition of FIG. 3, as shown by the solid line in FIG.9, the bulging section 612 is loosely fitted into the image openingsection 231, and the leading end portion 612A of the bulging section 612is positioned approximately flush with the outer surface of the frontsection 23.

Herein, the image opening section 231 is formed corresponding to theshape of the sidewalls 612B and 612C of the bulging section 612 in sucha way that the opening area increases gradually toward the back side, asshown in FIG. 9. That is, the edge of the image opening section 231 isof a tilted shape corresponding to the shape of the sidewalls of thebulging section 612.

Also, in the condition of FIG. 3, although a specific illustration isomitted, the operating member 8 is in a condition in which the rightside end edge of the slider 82 is in abutment with the closed positionlimit section 712B, and a rightward movement is limited.

Furthermore, in the condition of FIG. 3, the click mechanism 10 is in acondition in which the abutment member 12 is in abutment with the closedposition notch 641A due to a biasing force of the coil spring 11.

Then, on the user gripping the knob 84 of the operating member 8, andmoving the operating member 8 to the left side from the condition ofFIG. 3, as the second engagement protrusion 63 is inserted through thethrough hole 821 of the operating member 8, the shutter 6 interlockswith the leftward movement of the operating member 8.

Specifically, the shutter 6, in accordance with the leftward movement ofthe operating member 8, presses the abutment member 12 to the back sideagainst the biasing force of the coil spring 11, and drives the abutmentmember 12 onto another area of the back side end edge of the upper siderail 64A from the closed position notch 641A. Then, the shutter 6, whilethe back side end edge of the upper side rail 64A is sliding on theabutment member 12, moves from the start end PS (closed position), alongthe first groove sections 7223, to the back left side, as shown by thetwo-dot chain line in FIG. 9.

Also, the shutter 6, in accordance with a further leftward movement ofthe operating member 8, while the back side end edge of the upper siderail 64A is sliding on the abutment member 12, moves to the left sidealong the second groove sections 722C. At this time, as the position ofthe leading end portion 612A of the shutter 6 is positioned to the backside of the remote control light receiving section 4, as shown by thetwo-dot chain line in FIG. 9, it does not happen that the shutter 6,when moving to the left side, interferes mechanically with the remotecontrol light receiving section 4.

Then, on the left side end edge of the slider 82 of the operating member8 coming into abutment with the open position limit section 712A, andthe leftward movement being limited, the shutter 6 is positioned at thefinish ends FE (open position) of the second groove sections 722C, asshown by the dashed line in FIG. 9.

Herein, when the shutter 6 is positioned at the finish ends PE, theclick mechanism 10, by the abutment member 12 being fitted into the openposition notch 641B from the back side end edge of the upper side rail64A due to the biasing force of the coil spring 11, provides a vibrationto the shutter 6. Then, the user recognizes the vibration provided tothe shutter 6 via the operating member 8, and recognizes that theshutter 6 has been positioned in the open position.

As an operation of the shutter 6 from the condition of FIG. 4 to thecondition of FIG. 3 is only the reverse of the heretofore describedoperation, a specific description will be omitted.

According to the heretofore described embodiment, there are thefollowing advantages.

In the embodiment, by means of the first engagement structure providedon the shutter 6 and support member 7, the shutter 6, while the firstengagement protrusions 62 are being guided by each engagement groove722A and 713A, that is, by moving along each engagement groove 722A and713A, opens and closes the image opening section 231. Herein, eachengagement groove 722A and 713A is provided in such a way that the startend PS is positioned to the front side of the finish end PE.

By this means, the shutter 6, when it is positioned in the openposition, is positioned to a back side, that is, on a side farther awayfrom the front section 23, than in the condition in which it ispositioned in the closed position. That is, as the shutter 6, whenmoving from the closed position to the open position, moves in such away as to go away from the front section 23, is possible to realize aconfiguration such that, even in the event that the remote control lightreceiving section 4 is disposed on the rear surface of the front section23, the shutter 6 does not interfere mechanically with the remotecontrol light receiving section 4 when the shutter 6 moves.

Consequently, it not happening that a disposition position of the remotecontrol light receiving section 4 is limited, it does not happen that adegree of freedom in designing the projector 1 decreases.

Also, by configuring in the way heretofore described, although there isa difference from the embodiment, it becomes possible to form an area ofthe front section 23 in which the image opening section 231 is formedinto a shape bulging to the front side of the other area, and it is alsopossible to increase a degree of freedom in designing the exteriorhousing 2.

Also, the engagement grooves 722A and 713A are respectively configuredof the first groove sections 722B and 713B, and second groove sections722C and 713C, which form an obtuse angle and communicate with eachother. By this means, the first engagement protrusions 62 move smoothlyalong each engagement groove 722A and 713A, meaning that the user canmove the shutter 6 smoothly. Because of this, it is possible to enhancean operability of the shutter 6.

Furthermore, as the first groove sections 722B and 713E are formed insuch a way as to be shorter than the second groove sections 722C and713C, the shutter 6 moves from the closed position to a side away fromthe front section 23 at an early stage, then moves approximatelyparallel to the front section 23, and is positioned in the openposition. By this means, even in the event that, on the rear surface ofthe front section 23, the remote control light receiving section 4 isdisposed close to the image opening section 231, it does not happen thatthe shutter 6 interferes mechanically with the remote control lightreceiving section 4 when the shutter 6 moves. Consequently, it ispossible to more preferably achieve the heretofore described advantagethat the degree of freedom in designing the projector 1 does notdecrease.

Also, as the shutter 6 includes the bulging section 612, in thecondition in which the image opening section 231 is closed by theshutter 6, a condition is attained in which the bulging section 612 isloosely fitted in the image opening section 231. By this means, the edgeportion of the image opening section 231 becoming difficult to benoticed due to the bulging section 612, it is possible to provide aconfiguration preferable in appearance.

Furthermore, as the leading end portion 612A of the bulging section 612is configured of the heretofore described kind of surface, in thecondition in which the image opening section 231 is closed by theshutter 6, the surface of the leading end portion 612A of the bulgingsection 612 loosely fitted in the image opening section 231, and theouter surface of the front section 23, are positioned approximatelyflush with each other. Because of this, it is possible to provide aconfiguration more preferable in appearance.

Also, the image opening section 231 is formed in such a way that theopening area increases toward the back side. By this means, even in thecase in which the bulging section 612 is formed on the shutter 6, itdoes not happen that the bulging section 612 interferes mechanicallywith the edge portion of the image opening section 231 when the shutter6 moves. Because of this, the user can move the shutter 6 smoothly.

Furthermore, the edge portion of the image opening section 231, and thesidewalls of the bulging section 612, are all configured to be tilted inthe same way. By this means, it being possible, in the condition inwhich the image opening section 231 is closed by the shutter 6, toreduce a clearance between the edge portion of the image opening section231 and the bulging section 612, it is possible to efficiently preventparticles such as dust from intruding from outside.

Also, by means of the second engagement structure provided in theshutter 6 and operating member 8, the shutter 6 interlocks with themovement of the operating member 8. Herein, the second engagementstructure includes the second engagement protrusion 63 protruding in theprojection direction, and the through hole 821 through which the secondengagement protrusion 63 is inserted.

By this means, when the shutter 6 moves close to and away from the frontsection 23 (moves in the front-back direction) along with the movementto the closed position or open position, the second engagementprotrusion 63 withdraws in the condition in which it is inserted throughthe through hole 821.

Consequently, by employing the second engagement structure, there is noneed to employ a structure in which the operating member 8 moves inaccordance with a movement of the shutter 6 (a movement close to andaway from the front section 23 along with the movement to the closedposition or open position). That is, with respect to the operatingmember 8, it being sufficient to employ a structure causing it to movelinearly in the left-right direction, it is possible to achieve astructural simplification.

The invention not being limited to the previously described embodiment,a modification, improvement, and the like, within a scope in which it ispossible to achieve an advantage of some aspects of the invention, areincluded in the invention.

In the previously described embodiment, as the first engagementstructure, the first engagement protrusions 62 are provided on theshutter 6, and each engagement groove 722A and 713A is provided on thesupport member 7 but, not being limited to this, it is also acceptableto employ a structure in which, alternately, the first engagementprotrusions are provided on the support member, and the engagementgrooves are provided on the shutter.

In the same way, in the previously described embodiment, as the secondengagement structure, the second engagement protrusion 63 is provided onthe shutter 6, and the through hole 821 is provided in the operatingmember 8 but, not being limited to this, it is also acceptable to employa structure in which, alternately, the second engagement protrusion isprovided on the operating member, and the through hole is provided inthe shutter.

In the previously described embodiment, the shape of each engagementgroove 722A and 713A is not limited to the shape described in thepreviously described embodiment. It being sufficient that eachengagement groove 722A and 713A is of any shape, provided that the startend PS is positioned to the front side of the finish end PE, forexample, it is acceptable that each engagement groove 722A and 713A isof a shape extending in a straight line from the start end PS to thefinish end PE, and it is also acceptable that each engagement groove722A and 713A is of a shape extending in a curved line from the startend PS to the finish end PE.

In the previously described embodiment, each engagement groove 722A and713A is formed on the support member 7 but, not being limited to this,it is also acceptable that they are formed on the top section 21 of theexterior housing 2 or the rear surface of the bottom section 22.

In the previously described embodiment, the remote control lightreceiving section 4 is disposed on the rear surface of the front section23 but, not being limited to this, it is also acceptable that an imagingelement, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), which images aprojection image displayed on a projected surface such as a screen, asensor which measures a distance to the projected surface, and the like,are disposed thereon.

In the previously described embodiment, the projector 1 is configuredincluding the three liquid crystal panels 351, but the invention is notlimited to this. That is, the invention can also be applied to aprojector using two or less, or four or more, liquid crystal panels.

In the previously described embodiment, as the optical modulationdevices, it is also acceptable to employ, apart from transmissive liquidcrystal panels, reflective liquid crystal panels. Also, it is alsoacceptable to employ optical modulation devices of anotherconfiguration, provided that they modulate a luminous flux in accordancewith image information, and form an image. The invention can also beapplied to, for example, a projector using optical modulation devicesother than liquid crystal, such as devices using a micromirror. In theevent of using these kinds of optical modulation device, it is possibleto omit the luminous flux incidence side and luminous flux exit sidepolarizing plates 352 and 353.

In the previously described embodiment, only an example of a frontprojection type projector has been given, but the invention can also beapplied to a rear type projector which, including a screen, carries outa projection from the rear side of the screen.

As the projector of some aspects of the invention can protect theprojection optical device without the degree of design freedomdecreasing, it can be utilized as a projector used for a presentationand home theater.

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2009-027445 filed on Feb. 9, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

1. A projector comprising: a projection optical device configured to project an image; an exterior housing that includes an image opening section for allowing the image projected from the projection optical device to pass through; a shutter disposed inside the exterior housing, the shutter being configured to close the image opening section; and a support member configured to support the shutter in either a closed position in which the image opening section is closed, or in an open position in which the image opening section is opened, the shutter and support member being provided with an engagement structure allowing the shutter to move along the support member, the engagement structure including: i) an engagement protrusion that: a) protrudes along a vertical axis, and b) is provided on one of the shutter and the support member, and ii) an engagement groove that: a) extends in a direction in which the shutter moves, b) is provided on the other of the shutter and the support member, c) receives the engagement protrusion thereby guiding a movement of the engagement protrusion, and d) is configured in such a way so as to cause the shutter to move both inward and away from the exterior housing, as the shutter moves from a closed position to an open wherein, the engagement groove includes a first groove section and a second groove section configured to communicate with each other, and the second groove section is formed in such a way as to extend from a finish end, at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the open position, so as to be approximately perpendicular to a projection direction of the projection optical device, the first groove section being formed in such a way as to: i) form an obtuse angle with respect to the second groove section, and ii) extend to the finish end.
 2. The projector according to claim 1, wherein the engagement groove is formed in such a way that a length of the first groove section is shorter than a length of the second groove section.
 3. The projector according to claim 1, wherein the shutter includes a bulging section that: i) bulges in the projection direction of the projection optical device, and ii) is fitted into the image opening section when the shutter is positioned in the closed position.
 4. The projector according to claim 3, wherein the bulging section includes a leading end portion that is configured such that when the bulging section is fitted into the image opening section, the leading portion follows an outer surface of a sidewall of the exterior housing.
 5. The projector according to claim 3, wherein the image opening section is formed in such a way that an opening area increases toward the inside of the exterior housing.
 6. The projector according to claim 1, wherein the exterior housing includes an operation opening section configured to move the shutter, the operation opening section including an operating member that is: i) configured to be movable, ii) configured to be exposed to the outside through the operation opening section, and iii) configured to move the shutter from the outside, the shutter and the operating member being provided with: 1) a second engagement protrusion provided on one of the shutter and the operating member, which protrudes in the projection direction of the projection optical device, and 2) a second engagement structure including a through hole provided in another of the shutter and the operating member, the second engagement protrusion being inserted in the through hole. 